It’s extremely hot out, but is it hot enough for you to take a leap into the Saint Lawrence River?

That’s exactly what a group of Montrealers, including the mayor, did Tuesday morning at the 15th annual Grand Splash.

“15 years ago, everybody thought you’d put your hand in the Saint Lawrence River and only the bones would come out,” said organizer Pierre Lussier, as people swam next to the Jacques Cartier Pier in Old Montreal.

A new $4-million beach in Verdun was announced in 2016, but construction won’t be complete until next summer.

“Those are big projects, they do take time,” said the mayor. “At the same time, they are happening. This is where I feel like we’re in the right place in history.”

The idea of a harbour bath somewhere in the Old Port had been promised by former mayor Denis Coderre. He said it would be built in time for the city’s 375th anniversary in 2017. That didn’t happen, but Plante says the idea is very much alive.

“We’re really excited to share some announcement about that, we’re not ready yet but it’s still in the plan,” she said.

Montrealers will be waiting impatiently for new ways to beat the heat.